Traveling within Bhutan

With the exception of the Gasa district, all major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes, and the deepest of valleys Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads. That said, rarely will one find a length of either straight or flat road. In some stretches one can encounter 6 to 7 bends per kilometre! Steep ascents and descents are characteristic of road travel in Bhutan and this can make travel much slower than one may be used to. Average speeds for road travel rarely exceed 30 km/h, with tourist buses making even slower progress. One is however handsomely rewarded for the long and sometimes tiring car journey, by the spectacular views of towering mountains, lush green jungle, ancient villages and majestic monasteries.

Distances and Travel Times within Bhutan

From/To

Distance

Travel Time

Thimphu – Paro

65 km

1 hr 30 min

Thimphu – Phuntsholing

176 km

6 hrs

Phuntsholing – Bagdogra (India)

170 km

4 hrs

Thimphu – Ha

115 km

3 hrs 30 min

Ha – Paro

60 km

2 hrs 30 min

Thimphu – Wangdue Phodrang

70 km

2 hrs

Thimphu – Punakha

77 km

2 hrs 15 min

Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang

21 km

30 min

Wangdue Phodrang – Trongsa

129 km

4 hrs

Trongsa – Bumthang

68 km

2 hrs 30 min

Bumthang – Mongar

129 km

4 hrs

Mongar – Trashigang

90 km

3 hrs

Trashigang – Trashi Yangtse

55 km

2 hrs